Olympic champion Tim Brabants led the presentation of awards to England's most deserved volunteers and coaches on Saturday, including Dereham Canoe Group's Lynda Turner.
Olympic champion Tim Brabants led the presentation of awards to England's most deserved volunteers and coaches on Saturday, including Dereham Canoe Group's Lynda Turner.
Having been recently recognised in the New Year's Honours List by being made an an MBE, Brabants presented the awards at the Canoe England Volunteer and Recognition Awards which are being held at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham.
Following the success of last year's awards programme, the Canoe England Volunteer and Recognition Awards recognised Lynda's outstanding contribution as volunteer in Paddlesport.
As a coach for over 25 years, Lynda takes on numerous roles, including secretary, treasurer and head coach.
She was honoured for her role in preventing the club from closing down a few years ago.
Her contribution has been outstanding in attracting many people into the sport through the use of Canoe England's Paddlepower and she has been responsible for starting the paddling careers of many club members, scouts, guides and special needs groups.
One parent at the club describes Lynda as 'the sort of person that makes things happen, keeps clubs working, and makes life a better place. She's the sort of person that every club needs'.
'Lynda is an inspiration to us all and joins a fantastic network of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to the sport,' says Julia Robertson, Volunteer Development Officer for Canoe England.
'Lynda, along with the other coaches and volunteers throughout the country can, directly and indirectly, help our country's paddlers to achieve their best whether this is as a club volunteer, official, or coach.'
Dr Tim Brabants, aged 31, is the current Olympic champion in the men's K1 (kayak single) 1000m and he also won a bronze medal in the 500m event in Beijing. He is also the current World and European champion.
Anyone interested in volunteering in Paddlesport should contact Julia Robertson on 0845 3709530 or email volunteers@bcu.org.uk
For information about Dereham Canoe Group, contact Jeff Toser 07912597986 or email jeff.toser@bcu.org.uk
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